I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. Michael Jordan … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
There is Nothing Macho About not Having a Living Will
Recently, former world champion boxer Hector "Macho" Camacho passed away after he was shot outside of a nightclub in Puerto Rico in what is believed to be a drug-related incident. There is an estate planning lesson to be learned from his death. However, it is a lesson that most people should have learned a few years ago when Terry Schiavo was in the news. Not long after Camacho was shot, doctors declared him brain dead and gave him no hope of ever recovering. If Camacho had a Living Will, … [Read more...] about There is Nothing Macho About not Having a Living Will
Texas History – What was the “Car-Barn Convention”?
The Democratic state convention of August 1892 met in the Houston streetcar barn because it was the only building large enough to accommodate all the delegates. The "car-barn convention" nominated James Hogg, who was re-elected governor that same year. … [Read more...] about Texas History – What was the “Car-Barn Convention”?
Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Linda McCartney (1941-1998) - Activist, Photographer, Musician, Entrepreneur Linda McCartney was an American photographer, musician, and animal rights activist. In 1969, she married Paul McCartney, and later joined McCartney’s band, Wings. She was granted the courtesy title Lady McCartney when her husband was knighted in 1997. McCartney wrote several vegetarian cookbooks and became a business entrepreneur, starting the Linda McCartney Foods company. As a professional photographer McCartney was … [Read more...] about Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Celebrities Neglect Their Estates
It is almost always interesting how the wealthy and famous decide to distribute their fortunes after they pass away. The most interesting part is how often they make glaring mistakes that everyone should know to avoid. The biggest, and most common, mistake that they make is neglect. There are many examples. Sonny Bono neglected to get a Will and his ex-wife ended up with part of his estate. Jimi Hendrix also neglected to get a Will and his estate eventually ended up with an adopted … [Read more...] about Celebrities Neglect Their Estates
Texas History – What is the Origin of the Word Gringo?
Gringo, the Latin American slang word used to denote English-speaking foreigners, especially North Americans, originated during the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848. A popular soldier’s song sung by Americans contained the phrase "Green grow the violets," which to the Mexicans who heard it sounded like "gringo" instead of "green grow." The term was thereafter associated with the "Norte Americanos." … [Read more...] about Texas History – What is the Origin of the Word Gringo?
Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Howard Hughes, Jr. (1905-1976) - Entrepreneur, Aerospace Engineer & Film Director Howard Hughes was an American business magnate, investor, aviator, aerospace engineer, film maker, and philanthropist. While he was alive, he was one of the wealthiest people in the world. As a maverick film producer, Hughes gained prominence in Hollywood from the late 1920s, making big-budget and often controversial films. Hughes was one of the most influential aviators in history. He set multiple world air … [Read more...] about Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Thought for the Day:
You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Wayne Gretzsky … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
The Basics: What an Estate Plan is
Recently, it struck me that as an estate planning attorney I often do a poor job of adequately explaining the fundamentals of estate planning on this blog. I try to explain the basics for people here, but I often make the mistake of assuming that the people coming here for information know some things that they do not actually know. That is my fault and I would like to address one area today that some of you will know about, but that some people might not understand. Some people do not know … [Read more...] about The Basics: What an Estate Plan is
Texas History – Did You Know that the Texas Navy was Rented to Another Country?
In 1841, Mirabeau B. Lamar, president of the Republic of Texas, made an alliance with Yucatan, which was then in revolt, to rent out the Texas navy (all three ships) for $8,000 a month. When Sam Houston was inaugurated, he promptly ordered the fleet back to Texas. Since the Yucatans did not expect the Mexicans to fight for eight months or a year, they suspended the agreement with the understanding that it could be renewed when the Texas navy was needed again. … [Read more...] about Texas History – Did You Know that the Texas Navy was Rented to Another Country?
